Building a mobile app without coding skills used to mean choosing between expensive developers or clunky tools with severe limitations. Now, no-code platforms offer a middle ground—but understanding what you actually get for free versus what requires payment can be confusing.

Adalo lets you build database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps — published to the App Store and Google Play — from a single no-code editor. This pricing guide breaks down exactly what Adalo's Free plan includes, its limitations, and when upgrading makes sense for your project.

Adalo Free Plan Pricing Guide: Easy, No-Code, AI Driven Mobile App Creation

Adalo's free tier transforms app development from an exclusive technical domain into an accessible creative process. As a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms, published to the Apple App Store and Google Play—Adalo's visual builder eliminates programming requirements while maintaining professional functionality through its drag-and-drop interface and WYSIWYG editor.

Key Takeaways

• Adalo's free tier provides unlimited test apps and a 200 records per app limit for meaningful testing
• No-/low-code can significantly accelerate delivery and lower costs in many use cases (results vary by team and project)
• Paid plans start at $45/month (Starter) for custom domains and iOS/Android publishing
• Adalo highlights 20M+ daily requests and millions of accounts
• Adalo supports AI via marketplace integrations and external APIs; it’s not a native AI code generator

What Is Adalo's No-Code App Builder Free Plan?

Adalo's free tier transforms app development from an exclusive technical domain into an accessible creative process. The platform's visual builder eliminates programming requirements while maintaining professional functionality through its drag-and-drop interface and WYSIWYG editor.

The free plan includes unlimited test apps—a significant advantage for experimenting with different concepts. Each app accesses Adalo's built-in relational database with custom formulas, AND/OR logic, and prebuilt property types. You'll work with unlimited screens and actions, accessing the same core building blocks available in paid tiers, though database records cap at 200 per app for meaningful testing.

Core Features of the Free Tier

Your free account unlocks powerful capabilities:

• Visual Development Environment - Intuitive drag-and-drop builder requiring zero coding knowledge
• Component Marketplace Access - Browse a growing catalog of additional components for enhanced functionality
• Responsive Design Tools - Build once and deploy across mobile, tablet, and web platforms
• Web Publishing - Launch apps on Adalo subdomain for immediate testing
• Database Management - Built-in relational database with logic and property types
• Community Support - Access to forums, documentation, and App Academy resources

Who Should Use Adalo's Free Plan

The free tier serves specific user groups effectively. Entrepreneurs validating app concepts benefit from rapid prototyping without financial commitment. Students learning no-code development gain hands-on experience with professional tools. Small business owners can test digital transformation ideas before investing in paid solutions.

However, serious app developers quickly encounter limitations. The 200-record limit restricts deeper user testing, while Adalo subdomain publishing prevents professional branding. App store distribution remains unavailable without upgrading to paid plans.

Adalo vs Bubble No-Code: Pricing and Platform Comparison

Understanding platform differences helps select the right tool for your project. Both platforms target no-code app building but differ in delivery: Adalo includes native iOS/Android publishing, while Bubble is web-first and relies on wrappers for native apps. For details, see Adalo’s Bubble comparison.

Bubble Pricing Structure

Bubble’s plan names and pricing change periodically. Capability summary:

• Free: web-only development on subdomain
• Paid tiers: web deployment with workload limits; no native iOS/Android publishing without third-party wrappers

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Key distinctions shape platform selection:

Mobile Development: Adalo excels with native iOS publishing and Android publishing directly from the platform. Bubble requires third-party wrappers or progressive web app approaches for mobile deployment.

Database Architecture: Both platforms provide relational databases, but Adalo's built-in system simplifies data management for beginners. Bubble offers more complex data structures supporting advanced applications.

Learning Curve: Adalo's intuitive interface enables app creation within hours. Bubble's workflow system provides greater control but requires more time for proficiency.

Pricing Value: Adalo’s Starter — $45/month includes iOS/Android publishing in addition to web; Bubble is web-first and typically relies on wrappers for native apps.

Best No-Code App Builder Features in Adalo's Free Tier

Despite limitations, Adalo's free plan delivers professional-grade capabilities that rival paid alternatives. Understanding these features maximizes your development potential before upgrading.

Database Capabilities

The platform's relational database surpasses basic spreadsheet functionality. You'll create complex data relationships, implement custom formulas, and establish business logic through AND/OR conditions. Prebuilt property types accelerate development with ready-made fields for common data like emails, phone numbers, and dates.

External Collections connect to existing databases via APIs; availability and limits vary by plan. This capability proves invaluable for proof-of-concept demonstrations requiring real data connections.

Design and Layout Tools

Responsive design happens automatically. Your single app design adapts across devices without additional configuration. The platform includes:

• Feature Templates - Pre-built sections for common app functions
• Component Library - Buttons, forms, lists, and navigation elements
• Custom Styling - Colors, fonts, spacing controls for brand consistency
• Screen Transitions - Professional animations between app sections
• Conditional Visibility - Show/hide elements based on user data or actions

The component marketplace extends functionality with premium elements maintained by verified developers. These components undergo rigorous testing, ensuring cross-platform compatibility.

How to Make an App for Free with Adalo's Platform

Creating your first app requires no prior experience. Adalo’s App Academy and templates help beginners ship quickly.

Getting Started Tutorial

Begin your app journey through systematic steps:

1. Account Creation - Register at Adalo.com for immediate access
2. Template Selection - Choose from pre-built templates or start blank
3. Database Setup - Define data collections and relationships
4. Screen Design - Drag components onto canvas and customize appearance
5. Action Configuration - Link buttons and forms to database operations
6. Testing Workflow - Preview app functionality in browser or mobile simulator

The App Academy provides comprehensive tutorials covering every aspect. Community forums offer peer support when encountering challenges.

Publishing Your First App

Free tier publishing happens instantly to Adalo subdomains. Your app receives a unique URL for sharing with testers and stakeholders. This immediate deployment enables rapid iteration based on user feedback.

Remember the 200-record Free limit affects testing scope. Plan your prototype data carefully to demonstrate core functionality within constraints. Consider upgrading when requiring custom domains or expanded testing capacity.

Mobile App Creation Tools and AI App Builder Features

Modern app development can leverage AI-powered services to speed up common tasks. Use Adalo’s integrations rather than assuming native AI generation features.

AI-Powered Components

Adalo integrates AI capabilities through multiple channels via integrations:

• Chat interfaces — connect to LLMs (e.g., OpenAI) through APIs
• Image recognition — process visual data via third-party services
• Text analysis — moderation, classification, or summarization through APIs
• Data processing — automated calculations and transformations in workflows

These are integrations configured in Adalo’s visual workflows; you’ll typically add API keys and actions for the AI service you choose.

Automation Capabilities

Workflow automation eliminates repetitive tasks through Zapier integration and Make integrations. Connect your app to thousands of external services triggering actions based on user behavior:

• Email notifications for new signups
• CRM updates when users complete actions
• Payment processing through Stripe
• Calendar scheduling with Google Calendar
• Document generation and storage

Best AI App Builder Capabilities in Adalo's Free Version

While premium AI features may require paid plans, free tier users can still integrate foundational AI capabilities using marketplace components and APIs.

Available AI Components

The component marketplace includes AI-enhanced elements:

• Chat interfaces
• Image processing utilities
• Validation components
• Search and filtering helpers
• Recommendation-style patterns (via API logic)

Integration with AI Services

External AI services expand capabilities beyond built-in features. Connect to:

• OpenAI for natural language processing
• Google Vision for image analysis
• IBM Watson for enterprise AI
• Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services
• Amazon Rekognition for visual search

Free-tier API limits from these services typically support prototype development. Plan your AI integration carefully to maximize free quotas during testing phases.

App Builder Platform Comparison: Adalo vs FlutterFlow

FlutterFlow comparison represents a different development philosophy—visual Flutter development with optional code export. Understanding distinctions helps select appropriate platforms for specific projects.

FlutterFlow Advantages

FlutterFlow excels in specific scenarios:

• Code Export - Download Flutter source code for customization
• Native Performance - Direct Flutter compilation
• Advanced Animations - Complex visual effects
• Developer Flexibility - Mix visual development with custom code

However, these advantages come with complexity. FlutterFlow generally requires familiarity with Flutter concepts and mobile development principles. The learning curve is steeper than Adalo's intuitive approach.

When to Choose Adalo

Adalo is optimized for rapid business app development:

• Faster Time to Market - Templates and visual workflows speed delivery
• Lower Learning Curve - Build functional apps within hours
• Integrated Publishing - Direct deployment to app stores without external tools
• Business Focus - Optimized for CRUD applications and data management
• Cost Efficiency - $45/month (Starter) includes iOS/Android publishing and custom domains

Understanding Adalo's Free Plan Limitations and Upgrade Path

Realistic expectations prevent frustration during development. The free tier's constraints become apparent quickly for serious projects.

When to Upgrade

Specific triggers indicate upgrade necessity:

• Database Growth - Approaching the 200-record limit
• Custom Domain - Professional branding requires removing Adalo subdomain
• App Store Publishing - iOS and Android distribution need paid plans
• Team Collaboration - Multiple editors demand higher tiers
• Advanced Integrations - Xano integration and premium features may require upgrades

Many teams upgrade after initial prototyping once limits (records, domains, publishing) become constraints. The investment is modest relative to traditional development.

Pricing Tiers Explained

Adalo's paid plans scale with business needs:

Starter Plan — $45/month:

• 1 published app with custom domain
• Higher capacity vs Free (see pricing for current limits)
• Remove Adalo branding
• Core integrations

Professional Plan — $65/month:

• 2 published apps
• 5 collaborators
• 25GB storage
• Advanced integrations

Team Plan — $200/month:

• 5 published apps
• 10 editors
• Priority support
• Team-level capacity increases

Business Plan — $250/month:

• 10 published apps
• Unlimited editors
• Special add-on pricing
• Enterprise features

Annual billing typically offers savings across tiers. Consider your 12-month development roadmap when selecting payment options.

Component Marketplace and Integration Options

Adalo's ecosystem extends far beyond basic building blocks. The component marketplace offers a growing catalog of additional elements continuously expanded by verified developers.

Popular Components

High-value additions enhance app functionality:

• Payment Processing — Stripe integration and PayPal options
• Mapping Services — Maps and location features via the marketplace
• Communication — SMS through ClickSend integration
• Analytics — User tracking/behavior tools via the marketplace
• Media Players — Audio and video components in the marketplace
• Calendar Systems — Booking and scheduling interfaces in the marketplace

Premium components undergo testing to help ensure cross-platform compatibility. Developers maintain these elements and provide updates and support.

Building Custom Integrations

Advanced users create custom components when marketplace options don't meet requirements. The platform supports:

• REST API connections to any web service
• Webhook triggers for real-time updates
• Custom actions executing complex logic
• External database sync via External Collections
• Third-party auth with supported providers

External Collections enable legacy system connections—critical for enterprise modernization projects migrating from older infrastructure.

Publishing Your No-Code App: Web, iOS, and Android

Distribution strategy impacts platform selection and budget planning. Understanding publishing requirements prevents surprises during deployment.

App Store Requirements

Native mobile distribution involves platform-specific costs:

Apple App Store:

• Apple Developer $99/year
• App review process (timing varies)
• Compliance with iOS guidelines
• TestFlight beta testing capabilities

Google Play Store:

• One-time $25 registration
• Reviews can take up to 7 days or longer, especially for new developers
• Content and policy compliance
• Built-in testing features

Adalo generates builds and provides publishing guides; you submit via your own Apple/Google developer accounts.

Web Publishing Options

Web deployment offers immediate accessibility without app store constraints:

• Instant Updates - Changes reflect immediately without review processes
• Cross-Platform Access - Works on any device with a browser
• SEO Benefits - Search engine visibility for organic traffic
• Lower Barriers - No installation required from users
• PWA Capabilities - Progressive web app features depend on implementation; offline behavior varies

Adalo publishes rolling 30-day uptime for App Editing, Published Apps, Publishing, Collections API, and App Analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions about Adalo’s Free Plan for Mobile App Building

Q: Is Adalo's free plan really free forever, or will they force upgrades?
Yes—the Free tier is available without time limits or forced upgrades. It’s designed for learning, prototyping, and early testing, with full access to the visual builder, unlimited screens, and unlimited test apps on an Adalo subdomain. Practical constraints like the 200-record cap and Adalo branding mean most production apps eventually move to a paid plan to unlock custom domains and native publishing. The Free plan remains a durable option for classrooms, internal demos, and concept validation.

Q: Can I transfer my free app to a paid plan without rebuilding?
Absolutely. Upgrading doesn’t require rebuilding—your screens, data collections, actions, and styles carry over exactly as they are. Once you upgrade, your existing apps immediately gain plan entitlements such as higher capacity, custom domains, and native iOS/Android publishing (see Adalo pricing for current inclusions). Teams typically upgrade after validating core flows so they can remove branding, invite collaborators, and prepare for store submission.

Q: What specific AI features does Adalo offer compared to other no-code platforms?
Adalo enables AI via integrations, not a native AI code generator. You can add AI-powered features using components from the Marketplace (e.g., chat interfaces, image utilities), connect external services through External Collections and REST APIs, and orchestrate automations with Zapier integration. In practice, builders bring their own AI provider (e.g., an LLM or vision API), add API keys, and wire actions in the visual workflow—keeping the no-code experience while tapping advanced AI services.

Q: How long before I need to upgrade from the Free plan?
It depends on scope and audience. Many teams upgrade after the first rounds of user testing when limits (records, domains, collaborators, or mobile publishing) begin to block rollout. If you’re experimenting solo or running an internal prototype, Free may suffice longer; if you’re preparing for public launch, plan to upgrade to unlock custom domains, publish to the app stores, and expand capacity. Compare the tiers and limits on Adalo pricing to choose the timing that fits your roadmap.

Q: Does Adalo own my app or data if I use the Free plan?
No—you retain ownership of your apps and data across all tiers. Review Adalo’s Terms of Use for the current language on content ownership and permissions. You can export your data as needed and delete apps at any time. Note that Adalo is a hosted platform (no code export), so long-term plans should account for staying on the platform or designing integrations that keep your critical data portable.

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